Consumer post hole digger

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a post hole digger having a first, traverse pivot point, located on the lower section of two handle members, and a second, blade assembly pivot point located at the medial point of the blade assemblies. Because the first pivot point is a traverse pivot point, the handle members are only required to travel through a limited range of motion. Additionally, the second, blade assembly pivot point is preferably an offset pivot point. Thus, because the second, blade assembly pivot point is disposed at a medial point of the blade assemblies, the motion of the handle members, which are coupled to the upper ends of the blade assemblies, is reversed relative to the lower ends of the blade members.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/973,097, filed Oct. 5, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,881 and entitled“Consumer Post Hole Digger,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/400,551, filed Apr. 7, 2006, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,461,880 and entitled “Post Hole Digger, ” and are herebyincorporated into the present application by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a light-weight post hole digger and, morespecifically, to a post hole digger having a traverse pivot pointcoupling two handle assemblies to each other, a blade assembly havingtwo blade members, each blade member pivotally coupled to one handleassembly, and an offset pivot point coupling the two blade members toeach other.

2. Background Information

A post hole digger is structured to dig a hole having a generally narrowcross-sectional area relative to the depth of the hole. The hole wastypically dug in a compacted particulate or granulated material,hereinafter “the ground.” The material removed from the hole shall bereferred to as “the dirt.” The dirt was, typically, a loose granulatematerial. Preferably, the post hole had a greater cross-sectional areathan a post that was inserted therein. A portion of the loose dirt, oranother material such as concrete, was then reinserted into the annulus,or gap, between the post and the ground. Because the compacted groundwas more firm than the loose dirt, and therefore provided better supportfor the post, it was desirable to have as narrow of a hole as possible.Thus, one factor in the design of a post hole digger was the span of thepost hole digger during insertion and, especially, during removal.Keeping in mind that a worker must cyclically operate a manual post holedigger, other important factors related to how a worker interacted withthe tool. Such factors included, but were not limited to, the weight ofthe post hole digger, the force required to operate the post holedigger, the amount of dirt collected during each cycle, and the range ofmotion through which a worker must act during each cycle. For example, apost hole digger with longer handles typically had a longer lever armand, therefore, provided a greater closing force on the blade members;however, the handles may not be too long as the tool could be too heavyto lift repeatedly and/or too unwieldy to use comfortably.

Manual post hole diggers generally had two elongated handles with eachhandle having an upper hand grip portion and a blade coupled to a lowerend. The handles or blades were pivotally coupled to each at a singlepivot point. The blades moved between a first, open position and asecond, closed position that corresponded to a first and second handleposition. When the blades were in the first, open position a user thrustthe post hole digger toward the ground and caused the blades to biteinto the ground. To maximize the force of the bite, the blades weregenerally perpendicular to the ground when they were in the first, openposition. To further maximize the force of the bite, the handles weregenerally vertically aligned with the blades so that substantially allof the worker's effort (force) was directed directly through the bladesand into the ground. This configuration further allowed the worker toposition his/her hands and wrists in a comfortable position, generallyparallel to the ground. After the blades engaged the ground, the workermoved the handles into the second position thereby causing the blades tomove into the second, closed position. During this motion, the dirt isseparated from the ground. The closing force acting on the blades isrelated to the force applied to the handles. The force applied to thehandles was enhanced by the length of the lever arm created by thelength of the handle. After the blades have been closed, the worker,while holding the blades in the second, closed position, lifts the posthole digger thereby removing the dirt from the hole.

The quantity of dirt held by the blades is controlled by the shape ofthe blades and the nature of the dirt. Typically, the blades areelongated and have an arcuate cross-sectional shape. The blades werecommonly somewhat pointed and the edges were shaped so that, when theblades were in the second, closed position, the blades substantiallyenclosed a quantity of dirt. The shape of the blades was also related tothe configuration of the pivot point and the handles. That is, forexample, if the blades were spaced far apart, e.g. to engage a greaterquantity of dirt, the handles would have to travel through a greater arcin order to close the blades. A greater arc requires a wider hole andmore effort by the worker. Lengthening the blades would reduce theamount of travel required to close the blades, but would, in turn,reduce the relative lever arm between the blades and the handles, thusrequiring a greater effort on the part of the worker.

In addition to the shape of the blades, the ease of use and usability ofa post hole digger was controlled by various factors such as, but notlimited to, the length and shape of the handles and the type of thepivot point. As shown in FIG. 1, the most typical configuration for aprior art post hole digger had handles 1, 2 about five to six feet inlength, blade members 3, 4 about one half foot to a foot in length, andan offset pivot point 5. That is, each handle 1, 2 or blade 3, 4 had atab 6, 7 extending toward the other handle 1, 2 or blade 3, 4 with apivot point 5 disposed thereon. The pivot point 5, typically, had a pairof openings (not shown), one on each tab 6, 7 and a pivot pin 8. Thepivot point 5 was, typically, located near the interface between thehandle 1, 2 and the associated blade 3, 4. Additionally, each tab had alength of about three inches thereby providing a separation between thehandles, when in the first position, of about six inches. Thelongitudinal axis of each handle 1, 2 is generally aligned with thelongitudinal axis for the associated blade 3, 4. Each handle 1, 2further had a hand grip portion 9 disposed near the top of each handle1, 2. When coupled by an offset pivot point, the hand grip portion 9 ofeach handle 1, 2 was located on the same side of the pivot point 5 asthe blade 3, 4, associated with that handle 1, 2. To close the blades 3,4, the worker pulled the handles 1, 2, apart. To open the blades 3, 4, aworker moved the handles 1, 2 together until the handles 1, 2 weregenerally parallel to each other. Additionally, the handles 1, 2 orblades 3, 4, typically, had a pivot stop structured to halt the rotationof the handles 1, 2 and blades 3, 4 when the handles 1, 2 and blades 3,4 were generally parallel. With the blades 3, 4 held in a generallyparallel configuration, a worker could concentrate on the downwardmotion of the tool without having to position the blades 3, 4 for thebite.

An offset pivot post hole digger according to this configuration is easyto manufacture and is not too heavy; however, the range of motion of thehandles is not suitable for a moderately deep hole. When the handles 1,2 are in the second position, i.e. pulled apart, the span (width) of thetool increases as a function of the distance from the pivot point 5. Asthe pivot point 5 is disposed at the lower end of the handles 1, 2,essentially the entire length of one handle 1 moves away from the otherhandle 2. Thus, in order for the handles 1, 2 to be in the secondposition, the hole must be wide. Conversely, when the handles are in thefirst position, i.e., generally parallel, the tool is in its most narrowconfiguration and can be easily inserted into the hole.

A post hole digger with a traverse pivot point has a scissor-likeconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein pulling the handles 1A, 2Aapart results in the blades 3A, 4A moving apart and, conversely, movingthe handles 1A, 2A together results in the blades 3A, 4A movingtogether. When a traverse pivot point 5A is used, the pivot point 5A istypically located near the lower end of the handles 1A, 2A, but abovethe blades 3A, 4A. As shown in FIG. 2, the blades 3A, 4A are generallydisposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handles1A, 2A so that the blades 3A, 4A may be positioned: generallyperpendicular to the ground while still being separated. That is, if theblades 3A, 4A were generally aligned with the associated handles 1A, 2Aand the blades 3A, 4A were in an open position, the blades 3A, 4A wouldnot be generally perpendicular to the ground. In this configuration, thepost hole digger is generally wider when the handles 1A, 2A are in thefirst position and more narrow when the handles 1A, 2A are in the secondposition; however, because the pivot point is located at a medialposition on the handles 1A, 2A, the range of motion is generally smallerthan on an offset pivot post hole digger.

In this configuration, a worker uses the, typically stronger, pectoralmuscles to push the handles 1A, 2A together to close the blades 3A, 4A.While this could be considered an advantage, this motion is also theopposite of the motion generally associated with a post hole digger. Assuch, some workers do not care for a traverse pivot point post holedigger. This configuration also has a disadvantage in that, whenthrusting the tool downwardly, the worker must hold the handles 1A, 2Awithin a generally narrow range of separation in order for the blades3A, 4A to be maintained generally perpendicular to the ground during thebite. Moreover, the worker's hands may be in an awkward position duringthe thrust. That is, on a traverse pivot point post hole digger, theworker's hands are generally at an angle relative to the ground on thedown stroke.

There is, therefore, a need for a post hole digger with a limited rangeof motion between the handle first position and handle second position.

There is a further need for a post hole digger having a traverse pivotpoint that is also structured to maintain the handles in a generallyvertical and parallel orientation while the blades are in the first,open position.

There is a further need for such a post hole digger to have a reducedweight and size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of thisinvention which provides a post hole digger having a first, traversepivot point, located on the medial portions of two handle members, and asecond, blade assembly pivot point located at the medial point of theblade assemblies. Because the first pivot point is a traverse pivotpoint, the handles are only required to travel through a limited rangeof motion. Additionally, the second blade assembly pivot point ispreferably an offset pivot point. Thus, because the second, bladeassembly pivot point is disposed at a medial point of the bladeassemblies, the motion of the handle members, which are coupled to theupper ends of the blade assemblies, is reversed relative to the lowerends of the blade members. In this configuration, the handle member'sfirst position, which corresponds to the blade assembly open position,is in the preferred generally vertical and parallel orientation.Further, once the post hole digger has engaged the ground, a worker usesthe preferred pulling apart motion on the handles to move the bladeassembly into the second, closed position. Additionally, the post holedigger may utilize a hand ledge disposed at the upper end of each handleas a stop member. That is, each hand ledge extends toward the oppositehandle and is sized to abut the opposing hand ledge when the handles aregenerally parallel to each other. Thus, a worker does not have tomanually maintain the position of the handle members as with the priorart traverse pivot point post hole diggers. As an added advantage, thehand ledges also help to resist the workers hands slipping upwardly onthe handles when the worker lifts the post hole digger out of the hole.

Another embodiment of the invention utilizes similar mechanics andmethod of operation but has a reduced weight and size. In thisembodiment the handle assembly has a reduced length. Due to the reducedlength, the handle assembly does not include an angled lower portion.That is, the handle member medial portion and lower portion are combinedinto a generally straight lower section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art offset pivot post hole digger.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a prior art traverse post hole digger.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a post hole digger in a first position.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a post hole digger in a second position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a post hole digger.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternate embodiment post hole digger in afirst position.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternate embodiment post hole digger in asecond position.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of an alternate embodiment post hole digger.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein an “offset pivot point” shall mean a configurationwherein each handle and associated blade may be, and generally are,disposed on the same side of the pivot point, the pivot point beinglocated on one or more structures extending toward the opposinghandle/blade.

As used herein a “traverse pivot point” shall mean a scissor-likeconfiguration wherein two members cross over each other with the pivotpoint extending through the point of intersection.

As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements,whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs.

As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directlyin contact with each other.

As used herein directional words, such as, but not limited to, “upper”and “lower” shall be used in relation to the Figures and are notlimiting upon the claims.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a post hole digger 10 includes a first handleassembly 20, a second handle assembly 20A, and a blade assembly 40. Thefirst handle assembly 20 and the second handle assembly 20A aresubstantially similar in configuration except that the second handleassembly 20A is a mirror image of the first handle assembly 20.Accordingly, the following description will be addressed to the elementsof the first handle assembly 20 and it is understood that the secondhandle assembly 20A includes substantially similar element. Elements ofthe second handle assembly 20A shall use like reference numbers as theelements of the first handle assembly 20 and will be further identifiedwith the letter “A.” For example, and as described below, the firsthandle assembly 20 has a handle member 22. Thus, the second handleassembly 20A has a handle member 22A.

The first handle assembly 20 includes an elongated handle member 22having an elongated, upper portion 24, a medial portion 26, and a lowerportion 28. The first handle assembly handle member upper portion 24 hasan upper end 30. The first handle assembly lower portion 28 has a lowerend 32. The first handle assembly upper portion 24 has a longitudinalaxis 25. The first handle assembly medial portion 26 has a longitudinalaxis 27. The first handle assembly lower portion 28 has a longitudinalaxis 29. The first handle assembly medial portion 26 has a pivot opening34 extending generally perpendicular to the first handle assembly medialportion longitudinal axis 27. The first handle assembly lower end 32 hasa first blade sub-assembly pivot opening 36 extending generallyperpendicular to the first handle assembly lower portion longitudinalaxis 29.

As shown in FIG. 3, the angle, identified as angle “A,” between thefirst handle assembly handle member upper portion longitudinal axis 25and the first handle assembly handle member medial portion longitudinalaxis 27 is between about 20 to 24 degrees, and more preferably about22.5 degrees. The angle, identified as angle “B,” between the firsthandle assembly handle member lower portion longitudinal axis 29 and thefirst handle assembly handle member medial portion longitudinal axis 27is between about 26 to 30 degrees, and more preferably about 28 degrees.It is noted that the angle B is in a direction opposite angle A. Thefirst handle assembly upper portion 24 has a length between about 29.0and 37.0 inches, and more preferably about 33.0 inches. The first handleassembly medial portion 26 has a length between about 6.5 and 8.5inches, and more preferably about 7.5 inches. The first handle assemblylower portion 28 has a length between about 3.0 and 7.0 inches, and morepreferably about 5.0 inches.

The blade assembly 40 includes a first blade sub-assembly 50 and asecond blade sub-assembly 50A. As with the first and second handleassemblies 20, 20A, the first blade sub-assembly 50 and second bladesub-assembly 50A are substantially similar and mirror images of eachother. As such, only the elements of the first blade sub-assembly 50will be described in detail below. It is understood that that the secondblade sub-assembly 50A includes substantially similar elements. Elementsof the second blade sub-assembly SOA shall use the same referencenumbers as the elements of the first blade sub-assembly 50 and will befurther identified with the letter “A.” For example, and as describedbelow, the first blade sub-assembly 50 has a blade portion 51. Thus, thesecond blade sub-assembly 50A has a blade portion 51A.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first blade sub-assembly 50 has a lower,blade portion 51 and an upper base portion 54. The first bladesub-assembly blade portion 51 has a longitudinal axis 53 (FIG. 5). Thefirst blade sub-assembly base portion 54 also has a longitudinal axis55. The first blade sub-assembly blade portion 51 has an elongated bladebody 56 having an upper end 58 and a lower end 60. The first bladesub-assembly blade portion 51 has a length between about 9.5 and 11.5inches, and more preferably about 10.5 inches. The first bladesub-assembly blade body 56 has a generally arcuate cross-sectionextending about 180 degrees. The first blade sub-assembly blade bodylower end 60 is, preferably, tapered to a point. The angle of the taperis governed by the configuration of the post hole digger, but generally,the taper is such that when the first blade sub-assembly 50 and thesecond blade sub-assembly 50A are in the closed position, as describedbelow, the first blade sub-assembly blade body lower end 60 and thesecond blade sub-assembly blade body lower end 60A substantially engageeach other so that the first blade sub-assembly 50 and the second bladesub-assembly 50A form a cup-like structure. The first blade sub-assemblyblade portion 51 further includes at least one, and preferably two,offset tabs 62 (one shown). The first blade sub-assembly offset tabs 62extend, generally perpendicular to the first blade sub-assembly blademember longitudinal axis 53, from the first blade sub-assembly bladeportion upper end 58. The first blade sub-assembly offset tabs 62 eachhave a length of between about 4.5 and 5.5 inches, and more preferablyabout 5.0 inches. Each first blade sub-assembly offset tab 62 has adistal opening 66 therein. The first blade sub-assembly offset tabopenings 66 on different offset tabs 62 are generally aligned with eachother.

As shown on FIG. 4, the first blade sub-assembly base portion 54 has anupper, first end 72. The first blade sub-assembly blade base body upperfirst end 72 is also shaped with a generally U-shaped cross-section,however, the first blade sub-assembly blade base body upper first end 72is much smaller than the associated blade portion 51. The first bladesub-assembly blade base body upper first end 72 forms a clevis 82structured to accommodate the first handle assembly lower end 32. Theclevis 82 has aligned openings 84 therein. The first blade sub-assemblyblade portion 51 and the first blade sub-assembly base portion 54 may beangled relative to each other, identified as angle “C” in FIG. 3. In apreferred embodiment, the first blade sub-assembly base portionlongitudinal axis 55 is angled between about 18 to 22 degrees, and morepreferably about 20.3 degrees relative to the first blade sub-assemblyblade portion longitudinal axis 53.

The first blade sub-assembly 50 and the second blade sub-assembly 50Aare directly coupled to each other at a blade assembly pivot point 90.The blade assembly pivot point 90 is disposed at the interface betweenthe first blade sub-assembly offset tabs 62 and the second bladesub-assembly offset tabs 62A. That is, when the first blade sub-assemblyblade portion 51 and the second blade sub-assembly blade portion 51A arepositioned opposite of and facing each other, the first bladesub-assembly offset tabs 62 and the second blade sub-assembly offsettabs 62A extend toward and overlap each other so that the first bladesub-assembly offset tab openings 66 generally align with the secondblade sub-assembly offset tab openings 66A. The blade assembly pivotpoint 90 is created by separate pivot pins 92 extending through each setof aligned offset tab openings 66 and 66A.

To resist creating torque about the central longitudinal axis 100,described below, it is desirable to have the first and second handleassembly handle member upper portions 24, 24A disposed in the samegeneral plane. As the first and second handle assembly handle membermedial portions 26, 26A are pivotally coupled together, and thereforecannot be in the same plane, each handle assembly handle member 22, 22Amay include a lateral transition section 94, 94A. That is, as shown inFIG. 5, the first handle assembly handle member lower portion 28 and thefirst handle assembly handle member medial portion 26 are generallydisposed in a first lower plane. Similarly, the second handle assemblyhandle member lower portion 28A and the second handle assembly handlemember medial portion 26A are generally disposed in a second lowerplane. The first handle assembly handle member medial portion lateraltransition section 94 is disposed between the first pivot point 14(described below) and the first handle assembly handle member upperportion 24. The first handle assembly medial portion lateral transitionsection 94 is offset from the first lower plane toward a centrallydisposed upper plane. Similarly, second handle assembly handle membermedial portion lateral transition section 94A is disposed between thefirst pivot point 14 (described below) and the second handle assemblyhandle member upper portion 24A. The second handle assembly medialportion lateral transition section 94A is offset from the first lowerplane toward a centrally disposed upper plane. Thus, when the first andsecond handle assemblies 20, 20A are coupled at the first pivot point 14as described below, the first handle assembly handle member upperportion 24 and the second handle assembly handle member upper portion24A are disposed in generally the same plane.

When the post hole digger 10 is assembled, the first handle assemblyhandle member 22 is pivotally coupled to the second handle assemblyhandle member 22A by a pivot pin 12 extending through the first handleassembly medial portion pivot opening 34 as well as the second handleassembly medial portion pivot opening 34A. The first handle assemblyhandle member 22 and the second handle assembly handle member 22A areoriented so as to generally be mirror images of each other. In thisconfiguration, the first handle assembly handle member 22 and the secondhandle assembly handle member 22A cross over each other at the locationof the first and second handle assembly medial portion pivot opening 34,34A. Thus, this pivot point is a traverse, first pivot point 14.

The blade assembly 40 is pivotally coupled to the first and secondhandle assemblies 20, 20A. More specifically, the first bladesub-assembly 50 is pivotally coupled to the first handle assembly handlemember lower end 32 by a first blade sub-assembly pivot pin 49. Thefirst blade sub-assembly pivot pin 49 extends through the first bladesub-assembly clevis 82 as well as the first handle member first bladesub-assembly pivot opening 36. Similarly, the second blade sub-assembly50A is pivotally coupled to the second handle assembly handle memberlower end 32A by a second blade sub-assembly pivot pin 49A. The secondblade sub-assembly pivot pin 49A extends through the second bladesub-assembly clevis 82A as well as the second handle member second bladesub-assembly pivot opening 36A. The first handle assembly lower end 32is between about 6 and 10 inches, and preferably 8.0 inches, from thetraverse, first pivot point 14. In this configuration, the tool assemblyhas a central longitudinal axis 100 extending through the traverse,first pivot point 14 and the blade assembly pivot point 90. It isfurther noted that, because each blade sub-assembly 50, 50A remainssubstantially to one side of the blade assembly pivot point 90, theblade assembly pivot point 90 is an offset pivot point.

In this configuration the first handle assembly 20 and the second handleassembly 20A are structured to pivot relative to each other between afirst position, wherein the first handle assembly upper end 30 and thesecond handle assembly upper end 30A are generally adjacent to eachother and a second position wherein the first handle assembly upper end30 and the second handle assembly upper end 30A are generally spacedfrom each other. As the first handle assembly 20 and the second handleassembly 20A move between the first and second positions, the firstblade sub-assembly 50 and the second blade sub-assembly 50A move betweena corresponding first, open position and a second, closed position. Thatis, the first blade sub-assembly 50 and the second blade sub-assembly50A are structured to pivot relative to each other between a first, openposition and a second, closed position wherein when the first handleassembly 20 and the second handle assembly 20A are in the firstposition, the first blade sub-assembly 50 and the second bladesub-assembly 50A are in the first, open position, and, when the firsthandle assembly 20 and the second handle assembly 20A are in the secondposition, the first blade sub-assembly 50 and the second bladesub-assembly 50A are in the second, closed position.

Because the first pivot point 14 is a traverse pivot point, as the firsthandle assembly upper end 30 and the second handle assembly upper end30A move apart, the first handle assembly lower end 32 and the secondhandle assembly lower end 32A also move apart. As the first handleassembly lower end 32 and the second handle assembly lower end 32A moveapart, the first blade sub-assembly clevis 82, which is coupled to thefirst handle assembly lower end 32, and the second blade sub-assemblyclevis 82A, which is coupled to the second handle assembly lower end32A, also move apart. Because the blade assembly pivot point 90 is anoffset pivot point, as the first and second blade sub-assembly bladebase body upper, first ends 72, 72A move apart, the first and secondblade sub-assembly blade body lower ends 60, 60A move toward each other.

Preferably, the traverse, first pivot point 14 and the blade assemblypivot point 90 are disposed between 9.0 and 15.0 inches apart, and morepreferably about 12.0 inches apart. Thus, as shown on FIG. 4 by angle“D,” the range of motion for the first and second handle assemblies 20,20A moving between the first and second positions is between about 6.5degrees and 10.5 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis 100,and more preferably about 8.5 degrees. Additionally, as represented bythe angle “E,” the first and second blade sub-assembly blade portions51, 51A travel between about 12 and 18 degrees, and more preferablyabout 15 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis 100 as thefirst blade sub-assembly 50 moves between the first, open position andthe second, closed position.

The handle assemblies 20, 20A may also include cooperative stop members110, 112 structured to arrest the movement of the handle first andsecond members 22, 22A toward each other. In one embodiment, thecooperative stop members 110, 112 are hand ledges 120, 120A. One handledge 120, 120A is disposed at each handle assembly upper end 30, 30A.Thus, a first hand ledge 120 extends generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the first handle assembly handle member upperportion 24 and toward the central longitudinal axis 100. Similarly, asecond hand ledge 120A extends generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the second handle assembly handle member upperportion 24A and toward the central longitudinal axis 100. The handledges 120, 120A do not extend beyond the central longitudinal axis 100when the first and second handle assemblies 20, 20A are in the firstposition and, more preferably, the hand ledges 120, 120A abut each otherwhen the first and second handle assemblies 20, 20A are in the firstposition.

Alternatively, a pair of cooperative stop members 110, 112 may bedisposed, one each, along the middle of the first handle assembly upperportion 24 and the middle of the second handle assembly upper portion24A. The cooperative stop members 110, 112 include a tab 130, 130A thatextends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theassociated handle assembly handle member upper portion 24, 24A andtoward the central longitudinal axis 100. The tabs 130, 130A abut eachother when the first and second handle assemblies 20, 20A are in thefirst position.

A second embodiment of a post hole digger 210 is shown in FIGS. 6-8. Inthis embodiment the post hole digger 210 is similar to the embodimentdescribed above and similar reference numbers increased by “200” shallbe used. For example, the embodiment described above includes a bladeassembly 40, accordingly, in this embodiment, the similar blade assemblyshall be identified by the reference number 240. Further the conventionof identifying opposing but similar components with the letter “A” shallalso be maintained. While this embodiment is similar to the embodimentdescribed above, a reduced length of the handle assemblies 220, 220Aeliminates the need for a handle assembly lower portion 28 that isangled relative to the handle assembly medial portion 26. Thus, ratherthan a handle assembly lower portion 28 and a handle assembly medialportion 26, this embodiment has generally straight lower sections 221,221A. Unless otherwise set forth below in relation to the lower sections221, 221A, the other components, e.g., blade assembly clevis 282, shallnot be specifically identified below and it is understood that suchcomponents are similar, if not identical, to the components in theembodiment described above. However, it is further noted that, due tothe smaller size of this embodiment, various dimensions are differentand some dimensions are set forth below explicitly.

In this embodiment, the first handle assembly 220 includes an elongatedhandle member 222 has an elongated, upper portion 224, and a generallystraight lower section 221. Between each handle assembly upper portions224, 224A and the handle assembly lower section 221, 221A is alongitudinal bend 219, 219A. The longitudinal bends 219, 219A are notthe same as the lateral transition sections 294, 294A, described below.That is, the longitudinal bends 219, 219A define the angle “Z” describedbelow. The first handle assembly handle member upper portion 224 has anupper end 230. The first handle assembly lower section 221 has a lowerend 232. The first handle assembly upper portion 224 has a longitudinalaxis 225. The first handle assembly lower section 221 has a longitudinalaxis 223. The first handle assembly lower section 221 has a pivotopening 234 extending generally perpendicular to the first handleassembly lower section longitudinal axis 223. The first handle assemblylower end 232 has a first blade sub-assembly pivot opening 236 whichalso extends generally perpendicular to the first handle assembly lowersection longitudinal axis 223. Thus, in this embodiment the first pivotpoint 214 is disposed on the handle assembly lower sections 221, 221A.

As shown in FIG. 8, the angle, identified as angle “Z,” between thefirst handle assembly handle member upper portion longitudinal axis 225and the first handle assembly lower section longitudinal axis 223 isbetween about 5 to 14 degrees, and more preferably about 9.29 degrees.The first handle assembly upper portion 224 has a length between about26.0 and 40 inches, and more preferably about 32.5 inches. The firsthandle assembly lower section 221 has a length between about 12 and 20inches, and more preferably about 16.0 inches.

It is further noted that the handle assembly upper portions 224, 224Ainclude lateral transition sections 294, 294A that are structured tooffset the handle assembly upper portions 224, 224A relative to thehandle assembly lower sections 221, 221A. The lateral transitionsections 294, 294A are disposed on the handle assembly upper portions224, 224A just above the longitudinal bends 219, 219A. Thus, when thefirst and second handle assemblies 220, 220A are coupled at the firstpivot point 214, the handle assembly lower sections 221, 221A eachtravel in separate first and second planes, respectively, and asubstantial length of the handle assembly upper portions 224, 224A, thatis, the length disposed above the lateral transition sections 294, 294A,travel in the same general plane. The blade assembly 240 of thisembodiment is substantially similar to the blade assembly 40 describedabove and it is understood that the blade assembly of this embodimentoperates in a substantially similar manner as the blade assembly 40described above. However, it is noted that, due to the variation insize, the blade sub-assembly offset tabs 262, 262A, which in thisembodiment resemble “ears” on the blades, each have a length of betweenabout 1.5 and 5.0 inches and more preferably about 2.5 inches. Thelength of the offset tabs 262, 262A are measured from the blade surfacealong the longitudinal center of the blade sub-assembly blade portion251, 251A adjacent to the blade sub-assembly offset tabs 262, 262A tothe pivot point of the blade sub-assembly offset tabs 262, 262A. Furthereach blade sub-assembly 250, 250A has a length between about 8.0 and16.0 inches, and more preferably about 14.0 inches.

The blade assembly 240 is pivotally coupled to the first and secondhandle assemblies 220, 220A. More specifically, the first bladesub-assembly 250 is pivotally coupled to the first handle assemblyhandle member lower end 232 by a first blade sub-assembly pivot pin 249.The first blade sub-assembly pivot pin 249 extends through the firstblade sub-assembly clevis 282 as well as the first handle member firstblade sub-assembly pivot opening 236. Similarly, the second bladesub-assembly 250A is pivotally coupled to the second handle assemblyhandle member lower end 232A by a second blade sub-assembly pivot pin249A. The second blade sub-assembly pivot pin 249A extends through thesecond blade sub-assembly clevis 282A as well as the second handlemember second blade sub-assembly pivot opening 236A. The first handleassembly lower end 232 is between about 2.5 and 6.0 inches, andpreferably 4.52 inches, from the traverse, first pivot point 214. Inthis configuration, the tool assembly has a central longitudinal axis300 extending through the traverse, first pivot point 214 and the bladeassembly pivot point 290. It is further noted that, because each bladesub-assembly 250, 250A remains substantially to one side of the bladeassembly pivot point 290, the blade assembly pivot point. 290 is anoffset pivot point.

In this configuration the first handle assembly 220 and the secondhandle assembly 220A are structured to pivot relative to each otherbetween a first position, wherein the first handle assembly upper end230 and the second handle assembly upper end 230A are generally adjacentto each other (FIG. 6) and a second position wherein the first handleassembly upper end 230 and the second handle assembly upper end 230A aregenerally spaced from each other (FIG. 7). As the first handle assembly220 and the second handle assembly 220A move between the first andsecond positions, the first blade sub-assembly 250 and the second bladesub-assembly 250A move between a corresponding first, open position anda second, closed position. That is, the first blade sub-assembly 250 andthe second blade sub-assembly 250A are structured to pivot relative toeach other between a first, open position and a second, closed positionwherein when the first handle assembly 220 and the second handleassembly 220A are in the first position, the first blade sub-assembly250 and the second blade sub-assembly 250A are in the first, openposition, and, when the first handle assembly 220 and the second handleassembly 220A are in the second position, the first blade sub-assembly250 and the second blade sub-assembly 250A are in the second, closedposition.

Because the first pivot point 214 is a traverse pivot point, as thefirst handle assembly upper end 230 and the second handle assembly upperend 230A move apart, the first handle assembly lower end 232 and thesecond handle assembly lower end 232A also move apart. As the firsthandle assembly lower end 232 and the second handle assembly lower end232A move apart, the first blade sub-assembly clevis 282, which iscoupled to the first handle assembly lower end 232, and the second bladesub-assembly clevis 282A, which is coupled to the second handle assemblylower end 232A, also move apart. Because the blade assembly pivot point290 is an offset pivot point, as the first and second blade sub-assemblyblade base body upper, first ends 272, 272A move apart, the first andsecond blade sub-assembly blade body lower ends 260, 260A move towardeach other.

Preferably, the traverse, first pivot point 214 and the blade assemblypivot point 290 are disposed between 5.25 and 8.25 inches apart, andmore preferably about 6.27inches apart. Thus, as shown on FIG. 7 byangle “Y,” the range of motion for the first and second handleassemblies 220, 220A moving between the first and second positions isbetween about 4.0 degrees and 9.0 degrees relative to the centrallongitudinal axis 300, and more preferably about 7.42 degrees.Additionally, as represented by the angle “X,” the first and secondblade sub-assembly blade portions 251, 251A travels between about 12.0and 18.0 degrees, and more preferably about 15.32 degrees relative tothe central longitudinal axis 300 as the first blade sub-assembly 250moves between the first, open position and the second, closed position.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given thefull breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

1. A post hole digger comprising: a first handle assembly having anupper end, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lower end; a secondhandle assembly having an upper end, an upper portion, a lower portion,and a lower end; said first handle assembly pivotally coupled to saidsecond handle assembly at a first, traverse pivot point, said first,traverse pivot point disposed on said first handle assembly handlemember lower section and said second handle assembly handle member lowersection; a blade assembly having a first blade sub-assembly and a secondblade sub-assembly; said first blade sub-assembly pivotally coupled tosaid first handle assembly, said first blade sub-assembly having anelongated blade portion having an upper end and a lower end; said secondblade sub-assembly pivotally coupled to said second handle assembly,said second blade sub-assembly having an elongated blade portion havingan upper end and a lower end; said first blade sub-assembly and saidsecond blade sub-assembly coupled together at a blade assembly pivotpoint, said blade assembly pivot point disposed on said first bladesub-assembly blade portion upper end and said second blade sub-assemblyblade portion upper end; a central longitudinal axis extending throughsaid traverse, first pivot point and said blade assembly pivot point;said first handle assembly and said second handle assembly arestructured to pivot relative to each other between a first position,wherein said first handle assembly upper end and said second handleassembly upper end adjacent to each other and a second position whereinsaid first handle assembly upper end and said second handle assemblyupper end are generally spaced from each other; and said first bladesub-assembly and said second blade sub-assembly being structured topivot relative to each other between a first, open position and asecond, closed position, and wherein when said first handle assembly andsaid second handle assembly are in said first position, said first bladesub-assembly and said second blade sub-assembly are in said first, openposition, and, when said first handle assembly and said second handleassembly are in said second position, said first blade sub-assembly andsaid second blade sub-assembly are in said second, closed position. 2.The post hole digger of claim 1 wherein said first handle assembly andsaid second handle assembly travel between about 4.0 degrees and 9.0degrees relative to said central longitudinal axis when moved betweensaid first position and said second position.
 3. The post hole digger ofclaim 2 wherein said first handle assembly and said second handleassembly travel about 7.42 degrees relative to said central longitudinalaxis when moved between said first position and said second position. 4.The post hole digger of claim 2 wherein: said first blade sub-assemblyincludes an elongated blade base having a longitudinal axis, said firstblade sub-assembly blade base longitudinal axis being angled relative tosaid first blade sub-assembly blade portion longitudinal axis; and saidsecond blade sub-assembly includes an elongated blade base having alongitudinal axis, said second blade sub-assembly blade baselongitudinal axis being angled relative to said second bladesub-assembly blade portion longitudinal axis.